Ivanchuk has been a leading player in the world since 1988, ranking as high as #2 on the official FIDEElo rating list (July 1991, July 1992, October 2007)

He was the 2007–2008 World Blitz Chess champion., Chessbase, November 22, 2007He won the Amber blindfold and rapid chess championship in 1992 and 2010. Given his longevity among the world's elite, he is considered one of the greatest players to not become World Champion.